How Many Types of Ekadashi Are There? Importance & Spiritual Impact

Explore the spiritual importance of Ekadashi, its types—Sampurna, Vidha, Trisparsha—and how observing them with devotion purifies the soul in Sanatangyan tradition.

In terms of the most significant days in the Sanatangyan tradition, the unique reverence devoted to each Ekadashi deserves a place in the top tier. Each Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and each is marked by a day-long fast. That in and of itself, is, in Sadhana philosophy, an elevation above mundane concerns. Each day of a moon-cycle has its own Ekadashi. The shastras talk of many. In this article, we will focus on two of the more prominent ones we will also delve into their subtypes, the somewhat more uncommon, Trisparsha Ekadashi, and also the yearly frequency of Ekadashis.

Ekadashi: A Sanatangyan Path of Purification

Some sadhus and gurus will say that to fast and pray on an Ekadashi is to invite Vishnu's shakti into one's heart and thus to make one's sadhana more effective. It is held that the heart of faster is liberated, of even the most mundane ties, regardless of the mental or emotional toil that accompanies such voluntary twisting. It also strengthens a person’s devotion. The Padma Purana, Vishnu Purana, and other Vedic shastras praise Ekadashi as a vrata that destroys sins and grants true bhakti (devotion).

“एकादश्यां उपोष्यन्ति ये जनाः श्रद्धयान्विताः।

नरकं न गति तेषां कल्पकोटिशतैरपि॥”

“Those who observe Ekadashi with faith and devotion never fall into hellish conditions, even for millions of ages.” — Padma Purana

Two Main Types of Ekadashi

Ekadashi is of two main types. The first is called Sampurna Ekadashi (Complete Ekadashi), and the second is called Vidha Ekadashi (Mixed Ekadashi).

Sampurna Ekadashi

Sampurna Ekadashi is the purest form of fasting. In this type, neither the Dashami (10th lunar day) nor the Dwadashi (12th lunar day) influences the vrat. It begins with Ekadashi itself and ends with Ekadashi alone. This is the Ekadashi that sadhus, gurus, and saints recommend for all serious seekers of bhakti.

The Hari Bhakti Vilasa mentions:

“एकादश्यां निराहारो यो भवेत् पुरुषोत्तमे।

पुनाति पृथिवीं सर्वां पापकर्मणि किल्बिषैः॥”

“He who observes Ekadashi fast without food purifies the entire earth from sinful reactions.”

Vidha Ekadashi

Vidha Ekadashi occurs when Ekadashi overlaps with either Dashami or Dwadashi. It is further divided into two forms:

1. Purna Vidha Ekadashi

This happens when Dashami extends into Ekadashi, specifically up to 1 hour and 36 minutes before sunrise. According to the Padma Purana, this type is not recommended because it is said to nourish demonic qualities.

“पूर्णा विधा एकादशी दैत्य नाम पुष्टिवर्धनम्।”

“Purna Vidha Ekadashi nourishes demonic tendencies.”

Thus, fasting on this day may not bring the spiritual upliftment one seeks. Instead, it may increase lust, anger, and greed.

2. Par Vidha Ekadashi

This occurs when Ekadashi overlaps with Dwadashi. Unlike Purna Vidha, this Ekadashi is considered very auspicious. It is often called Vaishnava Ekadashi. With this resolve, one surrenders and crosses the threshold into the sacred. That channel, they say, is bhakti or Bhagavat Prem, and the sadhus know the and also the ecstatic devotion to the Divine wherein one is moved to the heart of trance.

The Rare Trisparsha Ekadashi

There is also a rare form known as Trisparsha Ekadashi. It occurs when Ekadashi, Dwadashi, and Trayodashi (13th lunar day) all overlap. The Skanda Purana states that observing this vrat is equal to keeping 1000 Ekadashis. It is said that missing such an Ekadashi is a great spiritual loss.

“त्रिस्पर्शा एकादशी यः करोति श्रद्धयान्वितः।

सहस्रैकादशी नाम्नि फलं लभते निश्चितम्॥”

“One who observes Trisparsha Ekadashi with faith obtains the merit of a thousand Ekadashis.”

Yearly Count of Ekadashis

Every month of the lunar calendar has two Ekadashis, one in the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) and one in the waning moon (Krishna Paksha). This makes a total of 24 Ekadashis in a year.

Once every three years, the sacred Purushottam Maas occurs. It is an extra lunar month dedicated to Lord Vishnu. During this month, there are two extra Ekadashis. This makes the total number of Ekadashis 26 in that year.

Spiritual Impact of Observing Ekadashi

The Sanatangyan path teaches that Ekadashi is not just about fasting. It is also about letting go of negative thoughts, anger, and greed. In this reverent mood, and on this sacred day, one is prescribed the veneration of the holy names, scriptures, and the feet of the Sadhana gurus.

The Padma Purana beautifully states:

“एकादश्यां निराहारः सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते।”

One who observes Ekadashi without food is freed from all sins.

When observed with faith, Ekadashi brings inner peace. It also strengthens the mind and builds devotion to the Supreme.

In conclusion, Ekadashi—whether Sampurna, Vidha, or the rare Trisparsha—is a sacred practice in the Sanatangyan tradition. It purifies the soul and strengthens devotion. It also guides devotees toward spiritual growth. When observed with faith and guidance from a sadhu or guru, it becomes a powerful vrata. This vrat brings inner peace and a deep connection with the divine.